Quentin Hillsman has quickly become a fan favorite in Central New York.

But his biggest fan is his mother, Joan.

"What can a mother say?" Joan Hillsman said in an interview with CNY Central on Monday. "We're always excited about all of our children, and especially our fans and everybody, so it's excitement for me."

The Syracuse University women's basketball team earned a No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where it will meet 9-seed Oklahoma State on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. from Starkville, Mississippi.

The winner moves on to play either 1-seed Mississippi State or 16-seed Nicholls.

"Because Q always said, 'I'm going to be a coach,'" she continued. "Even when his dad asked what he liked, he'd always include sports. To see him grow up, that's my only child, and to be here now with family and everybody -- it's just exciting."

Joan will be able to cheer on her son and the Orange when they take on the Cowgirls in the opening round game of the Midwest Region on Saturday afternoon.